Rickey Henderson - my choice for the All-Time Starting Line-Up

Understandably, when most people put together their all-time baseball team, they go position-by-position through the defense, and worry about putting together a batting order later (if at all). And conveniently enough for this argument, I'll start with my choice for left field: Rickey Henderson.

Why? Because he's my lead-off hitter. And he's the best lead-off hitter. Ever.

I've seen other lists, and the left fielders most often considered the best are: Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Barry Bonds, Rickey Henderson, and Carl Yastrzemski. All great, with great all-around games, including Rickey. And that is the criterion used by the experts: best all-around game. And so it goes, around the diamond, then through the outfield - put together a group of players with the best all-around games. And when it comes to Rickey, he gets the nod for being a great lead-off hitter, but that's about it. Just one of many factors to be considered.

My argument is, that is the most important factor when putting together the best possible line-up. I can get jazzed at the thought of having a group of all-time all-stars, but I get even more excited about having the best table-setter at the top of the batting order. Right off the bat (pun intended), with Rickey we've got someone that will cause the opposing pitcher to sweat. Where to begin? Walk him, and you've virtually given up a double. If he gets on base at all, and you're pitching from the stretch. With him taking bigger and bigger leads, you can't concentrate on the batter. He'll steal third. He'll steal home. He's a rally starter. And not only that, he hits with power, so if you want home runs from the top of the line-up, he can do that too. As far as line-ups go, the lead-off hitter is crucial. I don't have as strong an opinion about any other spot in the line-up. I think with all the great players, it would be difficult to decide who won't be batting third or fourth.

While the experts are splitting hairs and arguing about the top five at each position and which ones are the best all-around players, I'll be jotting in Rickey Henderson's name at the top of the batting order!